We spoke to Dan from Sunderland fanzine A Love Supreme to get the lowdown on our Boxing Day opponents as erratic Rovers travel to face Tony Mowbray's side for a lunchtime kick-off.

Form has been mixed throughout the season – are you guys heading up or down the league or sticking with mid-table?

Good question and a one I wish I knew the answer to! If we’d signed another striker in the summer, I feel we’d be doing much better but the over reliance on Ross Stewart has cost us so far as he has missed four months of the season through injury and when our other forward, Ellis Simms, broke his foot we played a good while with no front man! But they are both back now so we will see how good we really are. We are mid table and not been outplayed by anyone so the optimists are looking for a play off push and the pessimists would be happy with a season of consolidation… 

How do supporters feel about Tony Mowbray so far?

He seems a likeable guy but doesn’t half go on. He’s had the no striker problem so has a ready-made excuse, that said he also inherited a decent squad with some great attacking players. He’s made a few tactical errors, but it was good we got him in quickly after the shock departure of Alex Neil could have caused us major problems. 

What style of play has he been mostly using?

Very attacking! For a former centre half, it’s surprising, but we’ve played some good football. That said we haven’t scored from a corner or a free kick and give daft goals away.

Who are the two standout players so far this season?

Ross Stewart initially, but he got injured early September, which has given the likes of Amad Diallo a chance to shine.

How are things financially at Sunderland at the moment – is there money to spend in January?

Certainly hope so, we need another striker and a central midfield destroyer as back up for Corry Evans.

What's your score prediction for the game? Goalscorers? 

I think we owe you one. We played well at your place but had a stonewall penalty turned down and you went up the other end and scored on the break as the ref waved play on! With a 40k plus crowd and Stewart back I hope we can win 2-0…

Where’s the best place for a travelling Rovers fan to get a pint in Sunderland before or after the game?

We are a short walk from the city centre so if you have time check out The Peacock across the bridge, but with it being an early one maybe you’ll only have time to go to the Colliery Tavern opposite the away end…

Do supporters think that the ‘Sunderland 'Til I Die’ documentary series has been good for the club or not?

To be honest we’ve had enough of it and it seems old hat now considering season one was shot six seasons ago. They were in in our Fan Shop/Café opposite the Stadium of Light, every day for two years so I kinda miss the production team, but not the show! That’ said they’ve done a two-part mini-series on last season, so I guess that will be on soon!